Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in West Toronto, Toronto, ON

Much of my career has been supporting individuals recover from unhealthy or abusive relationships, sexual assault or harassment and harmful childhood experiences. I also provide compassionate grief counselling to individuals who have lost a loved one, experiencing separation or divorce, job loss, or the impact of cancer.

Are you looking to resolve personal or relational issues; looking to make changes in different areas of your life; facing difficult life choices; or simply seeking support or guidance at a stressful time in your life? If so, you have come to the right place. Collaboratively, we can work on the areas you are looking to strive in: personal development, relational growth (romantic, family, or peer relationships), and/or work-life balance.

I’m an individual, couples, and family therapist. I value authenticity, curiosity, a non-judgemental stance, warmth and compassion. These values are integral to the way I approach working with clients. I believe in creating a safe space where people of all backgrounds are welcome, and where clients feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. I work together with clients to capitalize on their inherent strengths and skills, and to cultivate greater feelings of connection, authenticity, understanding, curiosity, compassion, and mindfulness in their lives.

In my private practice as an expressive arts therapist I use the arts along with conversation and reflection, to help clients get ‘unstuck,’ uncover resources for change and growth, live with suffering when necessary and celebrate the joy of life as we humans always have -- by making meaning through making art. Increasingly, I also draw on Internal Family Systems (working with our "parts") to support and inform a safe and effective healing environment. I work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, creative blocks, eating disorders, physical illness, grief, trauma and sexual abuse.

My approach to therapy is practical, creative, humorous, and interactive. Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous step, and I aim to foster a comfortable, collaborative process. When the tools and skills that were previously helpful are no longer working, I support clients to cultivate new coping skills, and identify potential areas for change and/or acceptance.

It can be difficult to navigate our world especially when increased demands are placed on us either internally or from the outside. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you finding it difficult to find yourself with all of the noise and demands that are placed on you? Would you like to claim your personal power and learn how to be the best version of yourself on your own and in relationships? Whether you are suffering with anxiety or depression or a mixture of both, I can help. Perhaps you have a history of emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse, or you have been bullied or been in an invalidating environment, I can help.

Life can be overwhelming, unfair and full of the unexpected. As we seek change in our own behaviour and circumstances, we are often met with unexpected pain, anxiety, and anger that can be difficult to manage. Psychotherapy is a process in which we address obstacles in life and set goals to healing, understanding and moving forward. There is not challenge in life, big or small, that doesn't deserve the thoughtful reflection of therapy. I work with various presenting concerns, including issues with: anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, loneliness, self-esteem, processing break-ups, stress, burn-out, chronic pain and trauma.

I am a family systems therapist who works with youth, parents and couples who have experienced various mental health challenges or are facing stress and anxiety due to relationship conflict. The families I tend to support are often feeling disconnected from one another and stuck in patterns of relating that often intensify their existing challenges. The foundation of my work is in building relationships where clients feel seen, heard and understood, allowing them to draw on their internal strengths. My role as a social worker is to help clients understand themselves and their relationships in a way that supports authentic growth.

In my individual private practice I work with folks of all ages to support their coping abilities, build greater strengths, and live their lives to the fullest. Together we explore the unique life they are living and in a co creative way explore future possibilities. At Ripple Effect Children's Services (Humber College partner) we work with an amazing team of professionals reducing children's anxiety, promoting strengths and resilience. If you believe that your child is beginning to struggle with challenging situations, has significant emotion regulation struggles or you want to equip them to better manage stress, we can help.

Through life we can encounter uncertainty, loss and confusion on our path towards inner growth. Having to chose a therapist should not be one of such barriers. In my work I offer a safe environment and supportive collaborative work for clients to explore and remove life barriers. I also effectively use evidence based therapeutic approaches in helping people manage and heal from overwhelming emotions, trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, abuse, low self esteem, relationship problems, and other issues. My work is collaborative non judgmental, compassionate, respectful, thoroughly confidential and preserves dignity of people.

Melanie Dignam MSW RSW is an integrative psychotherapist in Private Practice from Toronto, ON Canada. Melanie specializes in trauma resolution and healing using evidence informed practices that intend to shift individuals towards an embodied experience of the mind+body+spirit through therapeutic support and reconnection to Self. In 2020, she completed her Internal Family Systems ( IFS ) Comprehensive Training with IFSCA and specialized IFS training in the area of Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Suicide, Addiction and Self Leadership. In 2022, she completed her Ketamine Assisted IFS Psychotherapy (KIFS) training with Sapience Therapy.

My approach for providing psychological services is empathic, genuine, and honest. I believe in tailoring my treatment approach to individual client need. The issues I deal with are anxiety, depression, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, stress management, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I draw upon many evidenced-based approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), internal family systems ( IFS ), mindfulness, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). I provide individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents.

Do you have negative thoughts and core beliefs that you’re not good enough, smart enough or worthy of unconditional love, success and joy? Are you having difficulty waking up in the morning, lack motivation or can’t fall asleep at night because your mind keeps spinning around in circles? Are you experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress or have had some difficult experiences in life that are keeping you stuck? You’ve acquired many strengths and coping skills but there’s still something holding you back from being the person you can and want to be. If that’s what brought you here, I can help.

Living in today’s world as a "big feeler", 2SLGBTQ+ person, ally, non-monogamous person, someone who uses substances, or someone who struggles with relationships, can feel exhausting and overwhelming. It can also feel hard to know who the safe supports are (the ones who won’t judge your experience or push you to embrace normative frameworks). You might be seeking support with trauma, anxiety, anger, inner criticism, people-pleasing, emotional dysregulation, harm reduction, identity issues, or feeling othered. Whatever your experiences are, I am proud of you for doing the brave thing of reaching out for help.

Much of my work is in supporting people who want to improve and strengthen their relationships with others, and who are willing and interested to begin with learning more about themselves. Exploring and addressing life's challenges with an approach that is strengths-based, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, collaborative, and often emotionally-focussed - I understand the importance of trust in the therapeutic work. I'm also currently highly interested in working with people who are exploring their sense of belonging and well-being in the context of their relationship to colonization. As a settler, I recognize this work is ongoing.

I shape my approach to my clients' needs and circumstances, as no two people lead the same lives. To almost everyone, however, therapy can offer a judgement free reflective zone, laying the groundwork for healing and fulfillment. Whether it is events in your past, specific challenges in the present, or worries about the future, therapy can provide the much needed insight and perspective. In addition to this, I make sure to set mutual, achievable milestones with my clients, to give direction to the work we will do together.